In June, 1935 approximately 1,800 unemployed men from relief camps in British Columbia bagan an "On-to-Ottawa" trek in order to speak with federal officials about conditions in the camps. On June 14 the trekkers were detained in Regina and placed under police serveillance. The riot occurred when Royal Canadian Mounted Police and city police tried to break up a public meeting, held in market square, the trekkers organized to appeal for funds. One city policeman was killed and many other people were injured.